The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday confirmed two cases of hantavirus infection aboard a Dutch cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
As of Monday, a total of seven cases, including two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases, had been identified on the cruise ship Hondius, including three deaths, said the WHO in a press release.
Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement on Monday that more than 140 people remain on board.
The fatalities include a Dutch couple and a German national. A British passenger has been evacuated from the ship and is receiving intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are still on board and showing acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. Both require urgent medical attention, the cruise operator said, adding that Dutch authorities are actively preparing a medical evacuation of the two individuals.
The ship is currently stationed off the coast of Cape Verde.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Infection typically occurs through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva, while human-to-human transmission is rare.
WHO confirms 2 hantavirus cases on Dutch cruise ship
China is gaining a growing reputation as one of the top global tourism destination as more international travelers marvel at its modern infrastructure and enjoy its safe and hospitable environment.
The country is experiencing a surge in tourism during the five-day May Day Holiday which began on Friday, with more and more global visitors making the trip thanks to the introduction of a range of visa-free and transit visa policies for ordinary passport holders from many countries.
The bustling city of Shanghai has seen a hike in international tourism in recent days, with a number of foreign visitors flocking in to explore China's culture and enjoy the local cuisine.
"We are impressed with China. We love China now, and we are similar in the culture. For example, the spicy food," said a tourist from Mexico.
Meanwhile, Chongqing, a mountainous metropolis in the country's southwest has also become a trending destination for tourists from across the world, with many amazed by its stunning and distinctive cityscape.
"[This] city on the hills is amazing, so when you first go to one of the rivers and you see how the huge buildings cluster over the rivers, that's amazing," said a British traveler.
"I also think that the infrastructures are very good and very futuristic and modern, like the subway is very efficient and it's very good. So I want to give a thumbs-up to like the Chinese people because I think they are very kind with foreigners, like every Chinese people I met in Shanghai and here, they always are very friendly," said a tourist from France.
On top of the eye-catching attractions and impressive infrastructure, many highlighted the friendly nature of the Chinese people and the sense of security they feel while traveling in the country.
A group of three friends from Spain said they have been impressed by the hospitable welcome they have received, and the level of social trust they have encountered during their stay China.
"We feel like at home, even though most of them they don't speak English, they are nice," said one of the group.
"You can [not worry about] the pocket, they don't try to like steal from you or anything. If you forget the phone at the table, they go like: 'hey, you forgot that'," said another.
"When we just arrived in Shanghai and he forgot the e-book in the plane and I received an email, like 'guys you you forgot the e-book in the plane'. So for us, it was wow, crazy," added another of the Spanish tourists.
Foreign visitors marvel at China's modern infrastructure; safe, hospitable environment
